Social Security Benefits

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he plans to offer any assistance to Work programme participants whose benefit is reduced through application of the benefit cap in April 2013.

Mark Hoban: Jobcentre Plus is offering additional support for all those likely to be affected by the benefit cap. Although they are not offering specific support to those participants already on the Work programme (WP), whose benefit is reduced through application of the benefit cap in April 2013, early access to the WP will be offered where appropriate to those who might be capped. Financially DWP are adding up to £75 million to the discretionary housing payment (DHP) budget next year and £45 million the following year, which WP participants could claim from like all other capped claimants. Child care and other support could be provided if the participant found work.